Carnival Cruise Line has celebrated the latest graduates of its Fun-ternship Program, giving local high school students valuable hands-on exposure to cruise terminal operations and careers in the travel and hospitality industry.

The graduation celebration took place on August 15, 2026, with participating students, known as “Funterns,” receiving certificates of completion and joining members of the Carnival Cruise Line team onboard for a celebratory lunch.

The 2026 Fun-ternship program marked the second year of the initiative, which is designed to introduce young people to the cruise industry through practical experience, mentorship and exposure to real-world port operations.

Eight Weeks of Hands-On Cruise Industry Experience

During the eight-week program, students gained a behind-the-scenes understanding of how cruise operations function at the port. Participants were able to build practical workplace skills while learning more about potential careers across the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.

The program was offered across Carnival's U.S. homeport communities, with graduates from Long Beach, Baltimore and Norfolk among those recognized at the recent celebrations.

Carnival had announced earlier in 2026 that the second season of its Fun-ternship initiative would provide more than 100 high school students aged 17 and above with hands-on experience in cruise terminal operations across six U.S. homeports: Baltimore, Tampa, Jacksonville, Norfolk, New York City and Long Beach.

Students participating in the program received exposure to port operations, training and mentorship while exploring the range of career opportunities available within the cruise and hospitality industries.

Building the Next Generation of Cruise Industry Talent

Programs such as Carnival's Fun-ternship highlight the growing importance of introducing young people to the cruise industry's diverse career opportunities.

While cruise vacations are often associated with ships, destinations and onboard entertainment, the industry depends on a much broader network of professionals working across port operations, hospitality, food and beverage, guest services, environmental operations and other specialised areas.

Carnival said the Fun-ternship program forms part of its wider investment in the communities where its ships operate, while helping create potential pathways for young people interested in travel and hospitality careers.

The initiative also follows the success of the program's inaugural 2025 season. Carnival's original program provided high school students with paid, hands-on experience at cruise terminals, alongside training and mentorship from Carnival team members.

Why Cruise Industry Training Matters

The cruise sector continues to bring together a wide range of hospitality, tourism and operational careers. For students considering a future in travel, an early introduction to the industry can provide a clearer understanding of how cruise vacations are delivered from the port to the ship.

By allowing students to experience cruise operations directly, programs such as Fun-ternship can help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the practical skills required in the hospitality and travel sectors.

For the cruise industry, these initiatives can also help develop awareness of career opportunities among younger generations and strengthen connections with the communities surrounding major cruise ports.

Carnival's Continued Focus on Young Talent

Carnival's 2026 Fun-ternship program demonstrates how cruise companies are looking beyond traditional recruitment approaches to introduce young people to the industry's career possibilities.

With students completing the program and celebrating alongside Carnival's onboard teams, the initiative provides more than a summer experience. It offers an early look at an industry that combines travel, hospitality, entertainment, marine operations and destination experiences.

As cruise travel continues to expand globally, initiatives focused on developing future talent could become increasingly important to the industry's long-term growth.

Source: Cruise Industry Updates